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Photo: UK discourages talk of Russia sanctions

The Associated Press

Updated:
03/03/2014 02:32:08 PM EST

LONDON—A British government document caught by a photographer's lens suggests that officials there are against imposing economic sanctions on Russia, a position which could complicate any U.S. effort to isolate Moscow over its military advances on Ukraine.

The document, captured by a photographer outside the British prime minister's Downing Street office as it was carried in by an adviser, says Britain "should not support for now trade sanctions or close London's financial center to Russians," according to the BBC, which first reported the blooper Monday.

It's not clear whether the document presents a settled U.K. position or just the view of one set of officials within government.

Britain's views on sanctions are important in part because London is a key hub for Russian investment.